For the rest of the month of August and into September, Fort Hays State University is celebrating the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year with Augustfest, a series of activities, events, programs and opportunities designed to welcome students and introduce them to campus life.

Students can get involved in Tiger Impact orientation events and student organization meetings and attend picnics, open houses, soccer and football games, and more.

Augustfest events are sponsored by various groups, student organizations and departments across campus.

The big event of the 2011 celebration is "Sex Signals" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, in Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

"Sex Signals," sponsored b Student Affairs, provides a provocative, in-your-face look at issues surrounding dating, sex and date rape on college campuses. Through the use of humor, the show explored how mixed messages, gender role stereotypes and unrealistic fantasies contribute to misunderstanding between the sexes.

Students will engage in a candid discussion on dating and the realities of date rape as they are challenged to provide solutions to improve communication in interpersonal relationships.

Freshmen are required to attend four Augusfest events: PlayFair, New Student Orientation, "Do Talk to Strangers" and floor meetings.

PlayFair, sponsored by the University Activities Board and Student Affairs, is at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, at Lewis Field Stadium. This event provides students with an entertaining way to make new campus friendships.

New Student Orientation, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, is designed to help students adjust to the campus environment and cope with changes they will experience in their first semester at FHSU.

Ruben Gonzales, a four-time Olympian, will be the keynote speaker, sharing with students his unique ability to inspire confidence, courage and hope in people.

Students will learn university policies and procedures and will get familiarized with university resources and services. The program will conclude with academic orientations and lunch in the Memorial Union.

Students will be inspired to maximize their interpersonal skills at "Do Talk to Strangers" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. It is sponsored by Student Affairs and Greek Life.

Augustfest events can be found online as well as in a brochure handed out during New Student Orientation and available in residence halls and various campus locations. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free of charge and are provided for all new and returning students, faculty and staff.

For more information or for more details on Augustfest events, go to www.fhsu.edu/fye/augustfest/.